An Inaugural Mix-Up Ends Happily for L.A. Woman

WASHINGTON —  An 85-year-old Los Angeles woman who mistook a commemorative invitation to President Clinton’s inauguration for the real thing and flew to Washington for the occasion is getting the royal treatment.

Lucille E. Williams, a Democratic Party activist, got a private tour of the White House on Sunday, attended an inaugural gala and will have a seat at Clinton’s ceremonial swearing-in today and two tickets to the Arkansas ball tonight--all compliments of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

“I’ve had so much attention, I don’t know whether to cry or shout,” Williams said, a bit giddy as she headed off to the gala.

Without the committee’s intercession, Williams’ invitation would have entitled her to no more than what the public could do: attend public events such as the fireworks and National Mall activities and stand along the inaugural parade route from the Capitol to the White House. Williams said she thought the invitation, topped with an impressive inaugural seal, offered a little more: a seat at the swearing-in and perhaps a handshake from the president.

When word reached inauguration organizers that Williams had flown from California to Dulles International Airport on Friday and was holed up in a hotel, confused and unable to pay for even a taxi ride into Washington, the Inaugural Committee took action.

In addition to the White House tour and other perks, Williams received a gift bag of inaugural goodies: a blanket, a polo shirt and a dinner plate, all embossed with the inaugural seal, as well as a necklace, a picture frame and other items.

The bag also contained a personal note from the Inaugural Committee’s co-executive director that apologized for “any confusion or inconvenience,” said committee spokeswoman Peggy Wilhide.

Williams’ invitation is one of half a million sent to other community workers, volunteers and Democratic Party donors and activists across the country. Inaugural Committee organizers, who mailed the invitations in December, said they were meant as keepsakes. Recipients weren’t expected to attend, unless they planned to do so independently.

The invitation informs recipients that they are invited “to attend and participate in the inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton.” An enclosure explains that the invitation is “commemorative,” and welcomes recipients to participate in any of the “public events” surrounding the inauguration, such as the fireworks display and National Mall festivities, but does not contain special order forms that are included with VIP invitations for tickets to the presidential swearing-in, inaugural gala and other ticketed events.

Williams, on her first visit to Washington, said she enjoyed the tour of the White House. “I loved the Blue Room and the Green Room,” she said. “There were some flowers I’d never seen before.”